3-Day Shillong Itinerary — May 1–3, 2026: Waterfalls, Caves & Local Culture

Shillong · Friday, May 1, 2026

Arrival and Local Highlights

7:00 AM:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Cafe Shillong with hot local tea and their famous pancakes while soaking in views of the city.

8:00 AM:

Walk to Ward's Lake for a peaceful stroll around the water and watch locals practicing morning exercises amid the landscaped gardens.

9:00 AM:

Visit the nearby Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures to browse exhibits on Khasi heritage and traditional crafts.

10:30 AM:

Head to Police Bazaar for a short shopping spree-pick up local jams, handloom scarves and sample street snacks like momos at a stall such as Momos N More.

11:30 AM:

Stop for an early lunch or substantial snack at Trattoria (Italian-Khasi fusion) to try light pasta or a Khasi-style thali before continuing the day's explorations.

12:30 PM:

Take a relaxed post-lunch walk up to Shillong Peak for panoramic city views and crisp hill air; bring a light jacket for the windy summit paths.

1:30 PM:

Visit the charming Lady Hydari Park to enjoy manicured lawns, flower beds and a quick photo stop near the small zoo and aviary.

2:30 PM:

Drop by Laitumkhrah Market to browse local produce, Khasi spices and artisanal goods - perfect for picking up edible souvenirs and watching daily life.

3:30 PM:

Refresh with a coffee or a cold Khasi-style juice at Cafe Jiva, and sample a slice of their homemade cake while people-watching on the terrace.

4:30 PM:

Head to Arbella (a local craft shop) to see handloom textiles and perhaps buy a traditional shawl or Khasi weaving as a keepsake.

5:30 PM:

Enjoy the golden-hour ambiance at Golf Course Shillong-take a gentle stroll along the fairways and catch the sunset behind the distant hills.

6:30 PM:

Return to town and stop for early evening snacks and a taste of local beer at Dylan's Café & Bar, where live music often begins later in the night.

7:30 PM:

Dine at City Hut Family Dhaba for hearty Khasi dishes like jadoh or tungrymbai in a casual, flavorful setting; pair it with a local beer or ginger tea.

8:30 PM:

Catch live folk or acoustic performances at The Hangout Shillong (check the evening schedule) while sipping on a cocktail or hot beverage.

9:30 PM:

Take a gentle post-dinner walk through the illuminated lanes near Police Bazaar to soak up the night market energy and pick a stall selling sweet treats or roasted corn.

10:00 PM:

Wind down with a nightcap or craft beer at Dylan's Café & Bar if the live music continues, or opt for a quiet rooftop tea at Cafe Shillong to reflect on the day's sights.

11:00 PM:

Return to your accommodation for a restful evening; if staying at a heritage guesthouse like The Heritage Home Shillong, enjoy the cozy common room and plan tomorrow's waterfall day.

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Shillong / Nearby · Saturday, May 2, 2026

Waterfalls and Scenic Views

6:30 AM:

Start early with a drive to Elephant Falls to catch the morning light on the cascades; walk the short trails and enjoy the cool spray while fewer visitors are around.

7:30 AM:

Have a hearty Khasi-style breakfast at Cafe Shillong or Sohra Cottages (if heading toward Cherrapunji) - try hot tea, local bread and a plate of chutney-based sides to fuel the day.

8:30 AM:

Continue toward Wards Lake's sibling of nature-no, actually head out of town to explore the scenic approach to Krang Suri Falls, stopping for photos at lookout points along the way.

9:30 AM:

Arrive at Krang Suri Falls; descend the vantage trail to admire the blue-green plunge pool, swim if conditions allow, and take time for long-exposure photos of the tumbling water.

10:30 AM:

Drive toward the Mawkdok Dympep Valley viewpoint and stop at Lady Hydari Park on return if you'd like a short garden stroll; otherwise, enjoy the valley panoramas and roadside tea stalls for a chai break.

11:30 AM:

Stop for a late-morning snack or early lunch at Trattoria or City Hut Family Dhaba back in Shillong to sample local dishes like jadoh or light pasta before afternoon hikes.

12:30 PM:

Drive toward Cherrapunji and stop for a riverside lunch at King's Cafe near Sohra, enjoying simple Khasi fare and fresh tea while planning the afternoon stops.

1:30 PM:

Arrive at Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint to take in the dramatic drop and emerald pool below; walk the short rim trails and capture wide-angle photos from the main lookout.

2:30 PM:

Head to Mawsmai Cave for a guided walk through easy limestone passages-navigate narrow chambers, stalactites and small chambers while your guide points out local geology and legends.

3:30 PM:

Explore the scenic Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint area, taking in the multi-tiered cascades and stopping at roadside stalls to sample sugarcane juice or local fried snacks.

4:30 PM:

Visit the living root bridge area near Nongriat (viewpoint) or a closer short walk to see smaller root bridges-enjoy a peaceful stroll among mossy trails and traditional Khasi villages.

5:30 PM:

Return toward Shillong with a tea break at The Bamboo Cafe (or a similar hill-side stall) to relax, enjoy hot chai and watch the valley soften in late-afternoon light.

6:30 PM:

Arrive back in Shillong and freshen up; if time permits, grab an early dinner tasting local street-style momos at Momos N More or sit for a relaxed meal at City Hut Family Dhaba.

7:00 PM:

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at City Hut Family Dhaba, sampling hearty Khasi dishes like jadoh or tungrymbai while swapping stories about the day's waterfall hikes.

8:00 PM:

Catch live music or an acoustic set at Dylan's Café & Bar, pairing a local craft beer or ginger tea with the cozy hill-town atmosphere.

9:00 PM:

Take a gentle post-dinner stroll through Police Bazaar to browse late-night stalls, pick up local jams or handicrafts, and sample street sweets such as pithe or roasted corn.

9:45 PM:

Stop at Cafe Shillong for a warm cup of local tea or a dessert slice, enjoying a quiet rooftop moment and views of the town lights.

10:30 PM:

If you prefer a low-key end to the day, head to the cozy lounge of The Heritage Home Shillong (if staying there) for a nightcap and to plan tomorrow's cave explorations.

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Shillong · Sunday, May 3, 2026

Caves, Markets and Departure

6:30 AM:

Start the morning with a hot Khasi breakfast at Cafe Shillong - try their local tea and a plate of steamed bread with chutney - then gather any last-minute essentials for the day's explorations.

7:30 AM:

Drive out to Mawsmai Cave for a guided early walkthrough; explore easy limestone passages and learn local legends from your guide while enjoying cooler, less crowded conditions.

8:30 AM:

Walk to the nearby entrance of Arwah Cave to experience wider chambers and interesting rock formations with a local guide who can point out stalactites and folklore tied to the caverns.

9:30 AM:

Return toward Shillong and stop at Police Bazaar for a quick market visit - browse stalls for spices, jams and handloom scarves and pick up any souvenirs you missed earlier.

10:30 AM:

Enjoy a late-morning snack or early lunch at City Hut Family Dhaba, sampling a light Khasi dish such as tungrymbai or momos before preparing for check-out or onward travel.

11:30 AM:

If time permits, take a short peaceful stroll through Ward's Lake nearby to relax by the water, feed the fish or sit on a bench and reflect on the trip before departure preparations.

12:30 PM:

Have a relaxed midday lunch at Trattoria or Cafe Shillong-choose light pasta or a Khasi-style thali-and sip hot local tea while planning the afternoon's short excursions.

1:30 PM:

Visit the nearby Don Bosco Museum annex or small craft stalls (if open) to pick up any last-minute handicrafts and learn a bit more about indigenous art before departure.

2:30 PM:

Take a short drive to Lady Hydari Park for a gentle post-lunch stroll among flower beds and the aviary; it's a peaceful spot to photograph freeroaming birds and local families.

3:30 PM:

Stop by Laitumkhrah Market to browse fresh produce, local spices and handloom goods, and sample street snacks like steamed momos or a sweet pithe from a trusted stall.

4:30 PM:

Enjoy a late-afternoon coffee or Khasi-style juice at Cafe Jiva or Cafe Shillong's rooftop, taking time to relax and sort souvenirs while watching the town's evening rhythm.

5:30 PM:

Return to your accommodation to pack and check out; if you have spare time, request a light snack or early dinner at your hotel or at City Hut Family Dhaba before heading to transport.

6:30 PM:

Make your way to Shillong bus stand or the taxi stand for your onward journey, stopping for a final tea at a roadside stall if the schedule allows and saying goodbye to the hill-town vibe.

7:30 PM:

Catch a short live-music set or an acoustic performance at Dylan's Café & Bar, pairing a local craft beer or ginger tea with the warm hill-town atmosphere.

8:30 PM:

Take a leisurely stroll through Police Bazaar to revisit any favorite stalls, pick up last-minute jams or handicrafts, and sample a sweet pithe or roasted corn from a trusted vendor.

9:15 PM:

Warm up with a rooftop cup of tea or dessert at Cafe Shillong, enjoying views of the town lights and a quiet moment to reflect on the trip.

10:00 PM:

If your transport is later or you prefer a calm finish, relax with a nightcap in the lounge of The Heritage Home Shillong (if staying there) or enjoy a final chat with locals at a nearby tea stall.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Cafe Shillong (breakfast)₹200
Ward's LakeFree
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (Don Bosco Museum)₹50
Police Bazaar (shopping/snacks at Momos N More)₹150
Trattoria (lunch)₹350
Shillong PeakFree
Lady Hydari ParkFree
Laitumkhrah Market (shopping)₹100
Cafe Jiva (coffee/juice & cake)₹200
Arbella (craft shop / handloom shopping)₹300
Golf Course Shillong (stroll / sunset)Free
Dylan's Café & Bar (snacks & drink)₹400
City Hut Family Dhaba (dinner)₹300
The Hangout Shillong (live performance - cover/drink)₹300
Elephant Falls₹20
Sohra Cottages (breakfast option)₹250
Krang Suri FallsFree
Mawkdok Dympep Valley viewpointFree
King's Cafe (riverside lunch)₹300
Nohkalikai Falls (viewpoint)Free
Mawsmai Cave (entry & guided walk)₹100
Seven Sisters Falls (viewpoint)Free
Nongriat / root bridge viewpoint (short visit)Free
The Bamboo Cafe (tea break)₹100
Arwah Cave (entry & guide)₹100
Don Bosco Museum annex / craft stalls₹50
The Heritage Home Shillong (guesthouse lounge/nightcap)Free
Estimated Total (per person)₹4,380
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